Roy Hodgson appointed England manager

2 May 2012

When I heard the news, I was a bit disappointed — Roy’s unhappy stint at Liverpool forefront in my mind. But, I’ll admit, I knew little else of the man and, over the past few days, have changed my mind.

He’s won titles — lots of them. He’s managed internationally. He speaks five different languages (which speaks to the intelligence of the man). His Wikipedia page will tell you more, particularly his career statistics.

I wish him well. I think the timing of his appointment means that expectations are low. He’s stated that he’d be disappointed not to get out of the group stage at the Euros but I think I’d be happy seeing England playing well, as a unit, without all the normal distractions & backbiting one associates with the England national side.

Solid foundations. Pick the best team, not the best individual players. Pick players that want to play. Drop anyone who doesn’t, no matter how big their name. Don’t pick players who have a habit of alienating managers. Create a sense of camaraderie. Trust in youth. Ignore the press. Be confident. Stop shit like this and this.

Do that and you’ll create a team the nation can get behind and be proud of.